One gift that cancer can give is the opportunity for us to reframe our attitudes and approaches to life. The realization that life on earth is finite and fragile can serve to propel us toward healthier ways of reacting and relating to the world around us. If we love the life we have been given and love the people who share life with us, we have the blessed prospect of living more humbly, less contentiously, more gratefully and less angrily. What a gift it is to live a life where peace prevails and grace abounds. Life is tremendously richer when we understand, appreciate and accept these gifts.
Dear God, sometimes it’s hard to realize that cancer can present any gifts. But the gift of reframing our lives is a blessed one. Help me to accept this gift. Help me to use this gift in life-renewing and life-affirming ways. Amen.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
God is steadfast in our everchanging lives
"The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. " Isaiah 40:8
In this life everything changes. Our relationships evolve. Our circumstances alter. Our happiness ebbs and flows. But in this world of constant transformation, there are certainties that are never dependent on conditions, feelings or time. Those certainties are the promises of God, which remain steady, unwavering and true no matter what. God is always faithful. God is always loving. God is always concerned about us. God is always reaching to connect with us even when we are not able to reach back. God’s offer of help and hope is forever fixed on our well-being and on our healing from disease, despair and disappointment. That never changes.
O God, thank you for being so steadfast in a very uncertain world. I need your calm reassurance when everything around me seems overwhelming and unsettling. I am grateful you are here to see me through. Amen.
In this life everything changes. Our relationships evolve. Our circumstances alter. Our happiness ebbs and flows. But in this world of constant transformation, there are certainties that are never dependent on conditions, feelings or time. Those certainties are the promises of God, which remain steady, unwavering and true no matter what. God is always faithful. God is always loving. God is always concerned about us. God is always reaching to connect with us even when we are not able to reach back. God’s offer of help and hope is forever fixed on our well-being and on our healing from disease, despair and disappointment. That never changes.
O God, thank you for being so steadfast in a very uncertain world. I need your calm reassurance when everything around me seems overwhelming and unsettling. I am grateful you are here to see me through. Amen.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Abundantly blessed.....
During this walk, we have received some incredible blessings, which is why I named this blog "Abundant Blessings". We have watched the Lord open doors and guide our every step. He has truly been faithful! He cares about our every need.
We have seen Him move in the provision of my oncologist. We *thought* we should see a particular one, but found out she didn't take our insurance. So, after our trying to open doors that shouldn't be opened, he closed them and opened the door for the oncologist I see now. The minute I walked in the door of this doctor, I felt God's peace. The staff is so attentive, the doctor's wife works there with him and she puts fresh flowers in the office and waiting rooms for the patients, there are Bible verses in each room and angel figurines in each room, reminding us that God is very near during our time of need. My doctor takes time with his patients, answers our questions, calms our fears of the unknown, etc. This is such a blessing!
We have seen doctor bills "paid in full". We have had people send us cards in the mail, people have called and emailed, and people that we don't even know have sent us cards and food telling us they are praying. The hand of God has truly been extended to us through the body of Christ. My husband travels during the day and just about every day, someone asks him how I am doing or tells him that they are praying for our family. That is such a blessing!
I don't ever want to forget what the Lord has done for us through this trial. He truly deserves all the praise for his abundant blessings on our family!
May He be glorified in our lives! Our greatest desire is that people will hear what He has done and that it will bring them closer to Him. He is no respector of persons. If He can do it for us, He can surely do it for anyone.
God's blessings on your day!
Molly
***********************
"Now to him who is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21
We have seen Him move in the provision of my oncologist. We *thought* we should see a particular one, but found out she didn't take our insurance. So, after our trying to open doors that shouldn't be opened, he closed them and opened the door for the oncologist I see now. The minute I walked in the door of this doctor, I felt God's peace. The staff is so attentive, the doctor's wife works there with him and she puts fresh flowers in the office and waiting rooms for the patients, there are Bible verses in each room and angel figurines in each room, reminding us that God is very near during our time of need. My doctor takes time with his patients, answers our questions, calms our fears of the unknown, etc. This is such a blessing!
We have seen doctor bills "paid in full". We have had people send us cards in the mail, people have called and emailed, and people that we don't even know have sent us cards and food telling us they are praying. The hand of God has truly been extended to us through the body of Christ. My husband travels during the day and just about every day, someone asks him how I am doing or tells him that they are praying for our family. That is such a blessing!
I don't ever want to forget what the Lord has done for us through this trial. He truly deserves all the praise for his abundant blessings on our family!
May He be glorified in our lives! Our greatest desire is that people will hear what He has done and that it will bring them closer to Him. He is no respector of persons. If He can do it for us, He can surely do it for anyone.
God's blessings on your day!
Molly
***********************
"Now to him who is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21
Monday, August 10, 2009
An Encouraging Devotion to Share
"And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted." Isaiah 12:4
Our attitude affects every aspect of our life. I know when I've been around negative people, I have to fight not letting them bring me down. The attitude we have about our life and what we're going through is sometimes a minute by minute choice. I must choose to not follow their path of negativeness. I must choose to shed that bad attitude and grab hold of a positive attitude so I can walk by faith. Walking by faith and being negative don't go hand in hand.
Gratitude. Thanksgiving. Appreciation. All are vital and necessary attitudes to possess on a constant basis. The more we recognize and affirm what God has done, is doing and assures us will be done, the more we face life and our personal challenges with grace, joy and peace. Make it a specific goal each day to know how God supports and upholds you. It will make a tremendous difference in the way you approach everyone and everything that comes your way.
Lord, with gratitude I look to you. With thanksgiving I come to you. With appreciation I place my trust in you, my Hope and my Salvation. Amen.
Our attitude affects every aspect of our life. I know when I've been around negative people, I have to fight not letting them bring me down. The attitude we have about our life and what we're going through is sometimes a minute by minute choice. I must choose to not follow their path of negativeness. I must choose to shed that bad attitude and grab hold of a positive attitude so I can walk by faith. Walking by faith and being negative don't go hand in hand.
Gratitude. Thanksgiving. Appreciation. All are vital and necessary attitudes to possess on a constant basis. The more we recognize and affirm what God has done, is doing and assures us will be done, the more we face life and our personal challenges with grace, joy and peace. Make it a specific goal each day to know how God supports and upholds you. It will make a tremendous difference in the way you approach everyone and everything that comes your way.
Lord, with gratitude I look to you. With thanksgiving I come to you. With appreciation I place my trust in you, my Hope and my Salvation. Amen.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Urgent prayer is needed for this little boy! Please pray for him.
Please pray for this little boy. He will be three years old in a few days and was diagnosed with with mitochondrial disease a while back. He is not doing well at all tonight. His family are homeschoolers in South Carolina. His parents have a business called Hearts and Hands - http://handsandhearts.com/ . I know his parents would be most grateful for you to share this prayer request with others. They have been on quite a journey these almost three years.
You can follow his story at: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ourquiverfull
Blessings,
Molly
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Just sharing some honest thoughts with you......
I just got on to write a couple of posts about this week. I had scheduled the one below this one sometime last week and honestly, had forgotten all about it. Interestingly it posted on a day and week that I hit a brick wall with my own faith. It may appear to the outside world and those that know me in real life that I am handling this cancer well, and for the most part I am, but this week has really shaken me to the core. I just re-read that post and while all of the proper responses are so very true, I have to admit that I have failed this week.
This week I have been struggling. I'm scared, angry, sad, just can't even describe all that is going on inside. It feels like when we first found out about the cancer. I am trying to take captive the thoughts that are flooding my heart and mind. A friend reminded me that the battle is in my mind. I feel like I'm in a war to be honest. My mind is rushing with thoughts, not always good ones, my emotions are all over the place, and my heart is breaking with grief and sadness. I have to be strong and get over this hump. I don't want to waste what time I have here in this present state of being. Only God knows how long and I sure do hope that I will look back on this time several years down the road and thank God for what I've learned through this.
I went to the oncologist this week. He is encouraged with my progress and glad I am feeling good. He told me that unless God intervenes and brings complete healing, I need to prepare myself to stay on this medicine the rest of my life. I am thankful for the medicine I'm able to take everyday that will extend my life, but I sure don't want to take it the rest of my life. Of course, I will but I didn't want to hear those words. I am thankful I feel good and for the most part am able to function normally. I actually feel better this summer than I did last summer, which is amazing to me. The medicine does affect my digestive system and that is not always pleasant to deal with, but it could be so much worse. Don't get me wrong, I am truly thankful for the medicine, but when you hear these words, it shows you how dependent you are on medicine to keep you alive. I think the reality of this cancer has hit me in the face again.
So, if you think of me in the coming days, please pray for me as I walk this path. I'm asking the Lord to raise up intercessors, so if you think of me, that is because I just prayed and asked him to raise up intercessors. :-) Yesterday, an older lady friend was praying with me and while she was praying, a text came in at the same time, from a friend who was on a trip and just wanted me to know she was praying for me. God amazes me how He works! He truly cares about each and every detail of our lives. Now, if I can just believe it all the time. Pray for our faith to be increased.
May your day be blessed -
Molly
This week I have been struggling. I'm scared, angry, sad, just can't even describe all that is going on inside. It feels like when we first found out about the cancer. I am trying to take captive the thoughts that are flooding my heart and mind. A friend reminded me that the battle is in my mind. I feel like I'm in a war to be honest. My mind is rushing with thoughts, not always good ones, my emotions are all over the place, and my heart is breaking with grief and sadness. I have to be strong and get over this hump. I don't want to waste what time I have here in this present state of being. Only God knows how long and I sure do hope that I will look back on this time several years down the road and thank God for what I've learned through this.
I went to the oncologist this week. He is encouraged with my progress and glad I am feeling good. He told me that unless God intervenes and brings complete healing, I need to prepare myself to stay on this medicine the rest of my life. I am thankful for the medicine I'm able to take everyday that will extend my life, but I sure don't want to take it the rest of my life. Of course, I will but I didn't want to hear those words. I am thankful I feel good and for the most part am able to function normally. I actually feel better this summer than I did last summer, which is amazing to me. The medicine does affect my digestive system and that is not always pleasant to deal with, but it could be so much worse. Don't get me wrong, I am truly thankful for the medicine, but when you hear these words, it shows you how dependent you are on medicine to keep you alive. I think the reality of this cancer has hit me in the face again.
So, if you think of me in the coming days, please pray for me as I walk this path. I'm asking the Lord to raise up intercessors, so if you think of me, that is because I just prayed and asked him to raise up intercessors. :-) Yesterday, an older lady friend was praying with me and while she was praying, a text came in at the same time, from a friend who was on a trip and just wanted me to know she was praying for me. God amazes me how He works! He truly cares about each and every detail of our lives. Now, if I can just believe it all the time. Pray for our faith to be increased.
May your day be blessed -
Molly
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Preparing for the Storms of Life
We all have storms that we face or will face in life. I saw this recently and wanted to share it with you.
Preparing for the Storms of Life -
After a storm has hit …
1. Natural temptation: Give up and go back to old ways
John 21:3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Proper response: Remain faithful and wait for God’s deliverance
Ps 37:34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
Ps 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
2. Natural temptation: Escape or drown sorrows
Jonah 1:3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
Isa 55:1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Proper response: Remain faithful to duties, and burrow deep into God for security
Ps 62:1 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken … 5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
3. Natural temptation: Anxiety, fret, fear, and worry
2 Ki 6:14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Proper response: Trust God and enjoy the peace which passes understanding
Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4. Natural temptation: Anger, resentment, and vengeance
Gen 34:1 Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. 2 When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and violated her … 25 Three days later, while all of them were still in pain, two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male.
Proper response: Give out the mercy the Lord has given you
Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5. Natural temptation: Grumble against life or God
Num 11:4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost--also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"
Job 10:1 "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say to God: Do not condemn me, but tell me what charges you have against me. 3 Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the schemes of the wicked?
Proper response: Accept the limited storm as from the Sovereign hand of the loving God
Job 1:21 and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Also Phil 2:14-15)
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (Also Rom 8:28; Jam 1:2-4)
6. Natural temptation: Self-pity and self-exemption
Job 19:21 "Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me.
Proper response: Repent of self-pity as a sin, and do what is right
Job 42:5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
7. Natural temptation: Self-reliance
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Proper response: Choose to look only to God
Ps 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Ps 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
8. Natural temptation: Consumed with guilt and shame
Mat 27:5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Proper response: Remember the Truth – Jesus’ death covered all your sins
1 Pet 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God …
9. Natural temptation: Survive, endure
Mat 25:15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey … 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
Proper response: Allow the trial to work godliness in you
1 Pet 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Excerpted from a 2-part message entitled "Preparing for the Storms of Life" courtesy of http://www.familyministries.com/
Preparing for the Storms of Life -
After a storm has hit …
1. Natural temptation: Give up and go back to old ways
John 21:3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Proper response: Remain faithful and wait for God’s deliverance
Ps 37:34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
Ps 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
2. Natural temptation: Escape or drown sorrows
Jonah 1:3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
Isa 55:1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Proper response: Remain faithful to duties, and burrow deep into God for security
Ps 62:1 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken … 5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
3. Natural temptation: Anxiety, fret, fear, and worry
2 Ki 6:14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Proper response: Trust God and enjoy the peace which passes understanding
Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4. Natural temptation: Anger, resentment, and vengeance
Gen 34:1 Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. 2 When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and violated her … 25 Three days later, while all of them were still in pain, two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male.
Proper response: Give out the mercy the Lord has given you
Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5. Natural temptation: Grumble against life or God
Num 11:4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost--also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"
Job 10:1 "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say to God: Do not condemn me, but tell me what charges you have against me. 3 Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the schemes of the wicked?
Proper response: Accept the limited storm as from the Sovereign hand of the loving God
Job 1:21 and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Also Phil 2:14-15)
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (Also Rom 8:28; Jam 1:2-4)
6. Natural temptation: Self-pity and self-exemption
Job 19:21 "Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me.
Proper response: Repent of self-pity as a sin, and do what is right
Job 42:5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
7. Natural temptation: Self-reliance
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Proper response: Choose to look only to God
Ps 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Ps 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
8. Natural temptation: Consumed with guilt and shame
Mat 27:5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Proper response: Remember the Truth – Jesus’ death covered all your sins
1 Pet 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God …
9. Natural temptation: Survive, endure
Mat 25:15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey … 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
Proper response: Allow the trial to work godliness in you
1 Pet 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Excerpted from a 2-part message entitled "Preparing for the Storms of Life" courtesy of http://www.familyministries.com/
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